2026 NHL Draft: Top prospects who went undrafted
BUFFALO – A total of 223 players were selected in the 2026 NHL Draft – but these 10 prospects weren’t.
We took a detailed look on how each team drafted, grading teams from A+ to C-. Nobody had a failing grade, but the teams with the fewest picks – and very few early on – obviously didn’t do well.
But with this, we’re going to look at nine notable prospects who weren’t selected this time around. Using Daily Faceoff’s top 120 ranking as a basis, here’s a look at some guys who could go to NHL development camps on a tryout contract, or wait another year to hear their name called:
73. Dayne Beuker, C (USNTDP)
While Bueker’s “A” game might not excite anyone, his “B” game absolutely will. He’s an excellent playmaker, but he also plays with a ton of energy and boasts some of the best hockey sense on the USNTDP squad. He’s not the biggest forward, but he’s smart and makes so many calculated decisions with the puck. I absolutely love Beuker’s work ethic, and that alone intrigues me. We’ve seen some USNTDP players leave the program after two years and find their groove elsewhere. I could see that being the case here because he feels like a coach’s dream. You can play him with anyone and he’ll find a way to make it work. I don’t expect Beuker to ever be a play driver, but if he can continue to work on adding more speed to his game, I could see him being a useful, 200-foot center who gives it his all every shift.
80. Landon Amrhein, RW (Calgary Hitmen, WHL)
Amrhein’s numbers won’t bring you out of your seat. But as a complete package, Amrhein has so much going for him. He’s an excellent playmaker, but he’s even better as an off-puck supporting winger. At 6-foot-5, Amrhein takes a lot of physical punishment to make sure his linemates get the puck. He also has flashes of offensive skill that allowed him to push himself up Calgary’s lineup all season long. There’s a lot of projectables here, but I’d like to see a bit more consistency with the puck.
90. Harrison Boettiger, G (Kelowna Rockets, WHL)
Boettiger has had to steal more than his fair share of games with Kelowna this year. He prides himself on his ability to stay focused under pressure. That’s something he had to deal with often early in his major junior career. His hockey sense and active hands – keeping them up in front to take space away – are as good as you’ll find in this draft class. I also like how quick his footwork can be, even if it’s a little inconsistent. Boettiger has a chance to be USA’s starting goalie at the World Juniors next season, so get prepared to hear a lot more about him over the next few years.
94. Carter Casey, G (Medicine Hat Tigers, WHL)
Casey’s surface numbers weren’t great, but I actually see Casey’s high-end potential here. He’s one of the most athletic goaltenders in the draft, never giving up on a play, no matter what. He can get a bit overzealous and allow some weak goals from time to time, but an NHL goaltending coach can help reel him in a bit. I like his glove hand, and he does a good job of giving shooters little to shoot at. There’s a ton of talent here – but the consistency needs work.
95. Callum Croskery, LHD (Soo Greyhounds, OHL)
Croskery was often outshone by Chase Reid this year, but Croskery is still an interesting prospect. His gap control is often excellent, and his two-way play has made nice strides. Nothing about his numbers are too exciting, but he’s a competitive force on the back end who doesn’t seem to be afraid of anyone. I actually really liked his play at the U-18s, especially later in the tournament. Scouts are a bit mixed about Croskery’s play, but nobody will deny his raw talent or puck skills.
103. Casper Juustovaara Karlsson, C (Lulea, SHL)
Some scouts were surprised to see CJK make the Swedish World Junior team – many didn’t see him getting drafted at the time. But he might be one of the smaller forwards who actually finds a way to crack an NHL bottom six in an energy role. Juustovaara Karlsson never stops moving under any circumstance – it’s his mission to make life miserable for everyone around him. He’s as intense as you’re going to find at this point in the draft, and he thrives on the penalty kill.
104. Braidy Wassilyn, RW (London Knights, OHL)
From a pure skill perspective, the London Knights forward is one of the better options in this draft. Wassilyn is a gifted offensive threat, with his puck control being among the best in his age group. He might not be huge, but he’s tenacious, showing a willingness to take on just about anyone. Wassilyn loves to drive to the net, and while his all-around game can be a bit iffy, he’s best when the pressure is on and you need to generate something, anything, late in a game. Consistency is still a major issue, though, and I’m not sure he has the right tools to overcome it.
108. Aleksei Vlasov, LW (Victoriaville Tigres, QMJHL)
Vlasov had an explosive QMJHL rookie season with 44 goals with Victoriaville. The University of Connecticut forward can be very difficult to contain, especially through open ice. He’s also fearless – he’ll hit anybody who gets close to him. For someone his size, it’s nice seeing him look to absolutely obliterate opponents. His teammates seem to love him, though. There’s no question he can score. But his below-average skating and unimpressive playmaking attributes will make it tough for him to carve out a top-six role in the NHL. But I absolutely wouldn’t count him out in a checking-line role, though.
110. Jiří Kamas, RHD (Red Deer Rebels, WHL)
Kamas does a good job of defending on the rush and ensuring nobody can blast past him. His positioning is solid, and he has the speed to go back the other way, even late in a shift. Kamas’s numbers were nothing to get excited about this year – that’s not his game, though. The 6-foot-2 defender thrives by using his quick footwork to get himself into scoring lanes to take space away. I think we’re talking about a player with bottom-pair upside – if he can start converting on shots from the point, though, he could become even more intriguing.
117. Joey Salandra, RW (Barrie Colts, OHL)
Salandra was ranked No. 152nd overall by NHL Central Scouting among North American skaters this year – basically, a guy who won’t get drafted. But he has all the makings of someone teams love in a bottom-line role. He hits everyone, attacks every shift like he has something to prove and is absolutely fearless. Salandra loves getting in the grill of opponents, and he has the hands and raw skill to hurt teams on the scoresheet, too. I think we’re talking about a potential bottom-line forward who can hold his own as a puckhandler while also being a really solid skater.
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